Queenstown isn’t just the adventure capital of New Zealand; it’s also a fantastic spot to explore some of the country’s finest wines and local cuisine. What makes Queenstown stand out for food tours? Its proximity to the Central Otago wine region means easy access to boutique vineyards, award-winning wines, and scenic landscapes. Plus, the region’s focus on local produce and cheese gives every tasting a true taste of New Zealand’s farm-to-table spirit. We love how these tours combine delicious food, fine wine, and stunning scenery—making each experience memorable beyond just the tasting glass.
For example, the Gourmet Food and Wine Tour Queenstown All-Inclusive Tour offers a full-day exploration of the region’s best wineries and a gourmet lunch, perfect for those wanting an immersive experience. Meanwhile, the Queenstown Wine & Food Tour: Scenery, Tastings & Delicious Lunch provides a more relaxed half-day outing with a focus on boutique wineries and a hearty a la carte lunch. Whether you’re after a full-day adventure or a quick taste, Queenstown’s food tours cater to all tastes and schedules.
Quick Overview
Our list features four top food and wine experiences in Queenstown, each with its own appeal:
– An all-day, premium wine and food tour with visits to multiple wineries and a gourmet lunch (Gourmet Food and Wine Tour Queenstown All-Inclusive)
– A half-day, scenic wine and food tour with boutique tastings and a delicious lunch (Queenstown Wine & Food Tour)
– An all-inclusive half-day experience focusing on boutique wineries and paired lunch (Queenstown: Wine & Food Tour)
– A scenic, relaxed day tour covering three wine regions with cheese sampling and a wine barrel-cooked lunch (Gourmet Food and Wine Tour with Lunch)
1. Gourmet Food and Wine Tour Queenstown All-Inclusive Tour
At number one, the Gourmet Food and Wine Tour Queenstown All-Inclusive Tour offers a full-day deep dive into Central Otago’s world-class wines and regional flavors. This tour is perfect for those who want a comprehensive experience, covering multiple wineries, a visit to the largest wine cave in Australasia, and a gourmet lunch paired with carefully selected local cheeses. It’s an all-in package that includes transportation and hotel transfers, making it hassle-free.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on small-group intimacy—limiting numbers ensures personalized attention and a more relaxed atmosphere. The itinerary includes iconic stops like the Gibbston Valley Winery, where you can explore the massive wine cave, and Cromwell, famous for its apple orchards and wine. Guests consistently praise the expert guide Lindsey, who shares her knowledge with enthusiasm, and the lunch, featuring dishes like venison, lamb, and duck paired with regional wines. With a perfect 5-star rating from over 310 reviews, it’s clear this tour hits the mark.
Bottom Line: If you want a full-day, premium experience with expert guides and a focus on quality, this tour offers excellent value for the price of around $182.34.
2. Queenstown Wine & Food Tour: Scenery, Tastings & Delicious Lunch!
Second on our list is the Queenstown Wine & Food Tour, a half-day experience that balances scenic drives, boutique tastings, and a substantial a la carte lunch. For around $137, this tour delivers personalized attention in small groups, with transportation included to make winery hopping easy.
What sets this mostly apart is its visit to the largest underground wine cellar in New Zealand at Gibbston Valley, plus tastings at Mt Rosa and Kinross Vineyard. Guests rave about the friendly, charismatic guides like T, who not only share expert knowledge but also make the experience fun. The tour offers the chance to taste premium wines and understand regional grape varieties, all while enjoying spectacular Kawarau Gorge views.
The lunch is a highlight, with a focus on quality and pairing, making it a good choice for those wanting a shorter but still in-depth tasting experience. The reviews highlight the value and personalized care, making it ideal for couples or small groups.
Bottom Line: For a well-organized, scenic half-day tour with authentic wine and food pairings, this experience is hard to beat at its price point.
3. Queenstown: Wine & Food Tour, Scenic Tastings & Paired Lunch
The Queenstown: Wine & Food Tour is a top-rated half-day that hits many of the highlights. Priced at $132, it includes visits to three boutique wineries in the Gibbston Valley, with hosted tastings and a deliciously curated lunch.
What makes this tour unique is its focus on tasting presentations and the chance to learn about winemaking secrets directly from experts. The guide’s knowledge helps you understand regional grape varieties, and the included lunch enhances the tasting experience. The tour is perfect for those who want a comprehensive yet concise taste of Queenstown’s wine scene.
Guests consistently praise the quality of the wine, the friendly guides, and the delicious lunch, making it a reliable pick for visitors who want a structured, educational experience without a full-day commitment. It’s also an excellent option for those who prefer a smaller group environment.
Bottom Line: If you’re after a well-rounded, all-inclusive experience with expert-led tastings and a tasty meal, this tour offers excellent value.
4. Gourmet Food and Wine Tour with Lunch and Wine Tastings
Finally, the Gourmet Food and Wine Tour with Lunch and Wine Tastings is an all-day journey that explores three wine regions with a focus on fine cuisine. For about $175, you get to visit four premium vineyards, taste regional cheeses, and enjoy a wine barrel-cooked lunch featuring five dishes paired with wine.
What makes this tour special is its emphasis on gastronomy—the lunch is a highlight, with delicious dishes that showcase local ingredients. Plus, the tour includes a visit to Old Cromwell and Arrowtown, offering a taste of local history alongside wine. It’s perfect for travelers who want a relaxed pace and a culinary focus.
The reviews note the value for money and praise the expert guides. This tour suits those who enjoy gastronomic experiences and want to explore multiple regions without rushing.
Bottom Line: Ideal for food lovers who want a comprehensive, full-day experience blending wine, cheese, and scenic stops at a reasonable price.
How to Choose
When selecting a food tour in Queenstown, consider your priorities: Are you after a full-day immersive experience? Then the Gourmet Food and Wine Tour All-Inclusive is perfect. Want something shorter but still comprehensive? The Queenstown Wine & Food Tour offers a fantastic half-day with boutique tastings and a substantial lunch. If your focus is learning about wine with a scenic backdrop, the Queenstown: Wine & Food Tour fits well. For those who want gastronomic indulgence across multiple regions, the Gourmet Food and Wine Tour with Lunch provides a full-day culinary journey.
Practical advice? Book early—popular tours fill quickly, especially in peak season. Consider your fitness level too; all tours involve some walking and standing, but none are overly strenuous.
Final Thoughts
Queenstown’s food tours offer a fantastic way to combine local wines, regional foods, and stunning scenery. Whether you prefer a full-day premium experience or a shorter, intimate tasting, there’s an option for you. The top-rated tours come with expert guides, flexible logistics, and plenty of delicious moments to savor.
For different traveler types, we recommend:
– The Gourmet Food and Wine Tour for those wanting a comprehensive, luxury experience.
– The Queenstown Wine & Food Tour for a relaxed half-day with a focus on boutique wineries.
– The Gourmet Food and Wine Tour with Lunch for food lovers who want to explore multiple regions.
Whatever your choice, booking early ensures you won’t miss out on these memorable tasting adventures. Cheers to discovering Queenstown’s rich flavors!